Activist Nwapa Lambasts Katsina Governor For Pampering Bandits After Major General Rabe Died In Terrorists’ Den

A human rights activist, Francis Nwapa, has berated the Katsina State government over its explanation of the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of kidnappers.

Nwapa described the government’s position as insensitive and an attempt to downplay the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Nwapa faulted the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda’s claims that late Abubakar died a “natural death” resulting from complications associated with diabetes and hypertension while being held captive by terrorists.

According to the activist, the central issue was not the medical condition of the deceased but the fact that he was abducted, held against his will and died in terrorists’ captivity without being rescued by security agencies.

Nwapa noted that describing Abubakar’s demise as a natural death undermines the broader failure of the government to protect its citizens from armed criminal groups operating across the country.

“What exactly is natural about a Nigerian citizen, a retired military general no less, being abducted and held by terrorists for weeks without being rescued?” Nwapa asked.

“The issue is that he was kidnapped by terrorists, held against his will, and died in captivity while the Nigerian state failed to secure his freedom. That is not a natural death; it is a tragic consequence of the collapse of security and the failure of government.”

He also criticised Governor Radda over comments where he reportedly urged terrorists and bandits terrorising the country to embrace peace and return to their communities.

Nwapa said it was troubling that appeals for dialogue, repentance and reintegration were being promoted at a time when citizens continued to suffer attacks, abductions and killings.

“On the same day the death of the General was announced, Governor Dikko Umar Radda was appealing to terrorists whom he described as ‘our brothers and sisters’ to lay down their arms and return to their families,” he said.

“What kind of government responds to the death of a military general in terrorist captivity by extending olive branches to the very forces terrorizing its citizens?”

Nwapa further noted that the government’s approach risked creating the impression that authorities were more interested in rehabilitating perpetrators of violence than securing justice for victims.

He also drew comparisons between the treatment of suspected terrorists and the handling of protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, accusing the Nigerian authorities of applying double standards.

According to him, while protesters were arrested and detained for exercising democratic rights, armed groups responsible for kidnappings and attacks were being invited into dialogue programmes.

“Peaceful protesters demanding a better society are treated as enemies, while armed criminals are treated as estranged family members,” Nwapa said.

The activist also criticised Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, over remarks claiming that global wars, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran-U.S.-Israeli war in the Middle East, were blocking Nigeria’s ability to procure military equipment.

Nwapa dismissed such explanations as inadequate and questioned how terrorists continued to acquire sophisticated weapons despite claims of procurement difficulties.

“Nigerians are entitled to ask: if the security forces do not have enough weapons, how do terrorists consistently obtain sophisticated arms and ammunition?” he said.

He called for the immediate rescue of the late general’s wife and other victims still being held by kidnappers, while demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the abduction and death of the retired officer.

Nwapa further urged the Nigerian authorities under President Bola Tinubu to investigate and remove individuals within political institutions and security agencies allegedly collaborating with criminal networks.

He maintained that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity could not be effectively addressed unless those aiding or benefiting from terrorist activities were identified and held accountable.

The activist extended condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, while calling on Nigerians to unite across ethnic, religious and regional lines in demanding accountability, justice and improved security.

“The daily slaughter of Nigerians has gone on for far too long,” he said. “Enough of the excuses. Hold terrorists and their collaborators accountable.”(SaharaReporters)